When I was new to the world of embroidered patches and leather jackets I was a bit confused about rocker patches. So I did a little digging around, I asked some questions, and I figured out what they were all about. If you're a little confused, just keep reading. I've put together a basic primer regarding rocker patches, what they are, and how they are used.
To start with, rockers are stock patches that are long, thin, and curved. They look like banners and can be made with the corners pointing up or down. If you've seen a long, thin patch in the shape of a quarter circle, you've seen a rocker patch. Typically they are not embroidered with a lot of fancy needlework; rather they usually have just a word or two to designate something like a location, a group, etc.
In terms of what they're used for, organized motorcycle clubs typically use them as part of their colors. They will have their large back patch with their main logo in the center, then a rocker above and one below. The one up top might have the club's name while the one below as the state or chapter name. Some clubs put other things on their rockers, but you get the point. Along those same lines, Lone Wolf riders may use large rockers on the back for the same purpose.
Smaller rocker patches might be found on the shoulders or the breast. Sometimes these are used to denote rank, especially in groups of riders organized with a leadership structure. Rank can reflect military service as well. Finally, some may use smaller rockers (sold as stock patches) on the shoulders with state names to designate where they're from or where they've been.
Now you know.
